Hybrid Cars At 2013 Dallas Auto Show

Hybrid cars are a pretty hot topic in both the auto and technology worlds right now. As the need for changes in the way we care for the environment become all the more apparent, the biggest issue is transportation.

People are not likely to want – or be able – to give up their vehicles any time soon. Which is why we need to think outside the box and instead of focusing entirely on the creation of more public transportation, however necessary that might be, we also need to consider more eco-friendly, fuel efficient automobiles for the common consumer.

The successful creation of a car that runs entirely on alternative energy is still a ways a way. At least one that can be marketed as a genuine replacement for most drivers, with a realistic price tag and convenience factor. But hybrid cars are something altogether different. They provide an intermediate between what is available today, and what will be in the future. They are that all important middle step in the evolution of alternate cars.

They are also really freaking cool.

We have seen this concept launched into the mainstream consciousness this year. The 2013 Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Auto Show had a number of prime examples of hybrid cars. Each one was developed by a major company, with the goal of showing off consumer-ready models that have been hitting the market for awhile now.

Probably the most hyped car at the show was the Ford Fusion, a very popular hybrid option. The fuel efficiency is the big selling point, with a 47 city, 47 highway MPG rating, as opposed to the 22/34 of the standard model. It is also entirely customizable with three options: Fusion, Fusion Hybrid and Fusion Energi.

Not impressed yet? They have also released a fully electric version of their Focus. Not a hybrid, but it shows their dedication and that they are looking to provide options for all consumers.

This is one company that has been seeing a lot of hype in the last year. It is still pretty young, but despite this they have seen a great deal of success for a startup. Especially given the niche market they have entered into, which is in an industry with room to grow but not as much demand to reflect it.

At the DFW show they were showing off their perfected Tesla Roadster among other, newer models. But there is no denying these were more of a novelty than some of the others that were present at the show. Their cars are amazing, and a true show of ingenuity worthy of the inventor they took their name from. But at an average cost of $45,000 a piece, their vehicles fail to maintain the wider consumer appeal of other brands.

Conclusion

The need for hybrid cars has always been questionable as many people push for development of vehicles entirely reliant on alternative energy. But these releases from companies in the last year in particular seem to shoot that theory out of the water. While it doesn’t look like we will be giving up our love affair with oil, we are showing that it is entirely possible to lessen it. Were the cost not so high on current models you could be sure more people would be making the switch.

Sure, they aren’t perfect. But hybrid cars offer that great place in between what is old and familiar, and what is new and exciting. In other words, a great place for Joe Average to feel comfortable adapting to the change.

It was amazing to see so many new hybrids at the DFW show, and next year is sure to be even better.

Greener Ideal is an independent environmental news and lifestyle publication that has been curating content since 2008 to further the green movement. The views expressed by contributing authors are their own and may not reflect those of Greener Ideal.

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Greener Ideal strives to help people live their lives in more sustainable ways by publishing valuable green living tips and commentary on the latest environment news. We want to protect the planet and reduce our collective carbon footprint.